Formula 1 returns to action this Sunday with the Miami Grand Prix, ending a more than month‑long pause in the 2026 season. Organisers were forced to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm, moving the race start three hours earlier to 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. local time) in an effort to steer clear of the heaviest rain.
The pole position for the main event will be occupied by world‑leader Kimi Antonelli, who is looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Mercedes had dominated the opening three rounds of the championship, but a strong McLaren one‑two finish in Saturday’s sprint race in Miami hinted that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week gap since the Japanese Grand Prix are beginning to close the performance gap at the front of the grid. Antonelli’s pole‑winning lap sets the stage for a thrilling showdown, with Max Verstappen lining up second for Red Bull and Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari.
The mix of machinery behind the leaders promises a dynamic and unpredictable race, especially with the ever‑present threat of rain. The 2026 cars have never been tested in wet conditions, so any precipitation could add an extra layer of drama and challenge for the drivers. Miami’s street circuit, which debuted on the F1 calendar in 2022, is renowned for its long straights and tight corners that provide ample overtaking opportunities. The layout encourages bold moves, particularly at the exit of the long back‑straight leading into Turn 11 and again at the complex around Turn 17.
However, the proximity of the walls means that any mistake is punished severely, demanding precision and confidence from every competitor. Because of the forecasted thunderstorms, the race start has been shifted forward to 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. Miami time). Officials hope the event can be completed before the heavier rain arrives later in the afternoon, reducing the risk of a red‑flag or a race‑shortening situation.
For fans who want to follow the action, Sky Sports offers several ways to watch. Sky customers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the Grand Prix on Sunday. The Sky Sports app also provides live streaming, complete with an option to select a driver’s onboard camera for a more immersive experience. If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can still stream the race via the NOW service.
NOW offers a contract‑free Day Pass or a Month Pass that can be cancelled at any time, giving you access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams on more than 60 devices. This flexibility makes it easy to catch the race without committing to a long‑term contract. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 live blog, allowing viewers on the move to keep up with real‑time updates, timing screens, and commentary.
After the checkered flag, highlights are uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the race ends, so you can relive the most exciting moments at your convenience. Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend schedule: - Friday afternoon: First practice session - Saturday: Sprint race (McLaren 1‑2) and qualifying - Sunday 2:25 p.m. (local): F2 Feature Race - Sunday 4 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up show - Sunday 6 p.m.: The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports F1) - Sunday 8 p.m.: Post‑race reaction and Chequered Flag analysis - Sunday 9 p.m.: Ted’s Notebook recap All of these programmes are also available on Sky Sports Main Event. To get the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser for its video player, which offers improved accessibility and smoother playback.
For Sky customers, setting up a Sky iD is essential to access the service. If you don’t already have one, you can create a Sky iD through the Sky website or the app. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a high‑octane spectacle with a reshuffled grid, potential rain, and a street circuit that rewards bravery while punishing errors.
Whether you are a Sky subscriber, a NOW user, or simply a F1 enthusiast following the live blog, there are plenty of options to enjoy the race. Tune in this Sunday at 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. Miami time) and watch the drama unfold on Sky Sports F1.